I am not sure what I think of this book. It's by Yann Martel, the author of LIFE OF PI. At first, I was thrilled to find that it was different from PI. I expected another great literary achievement, but was pleased to know it would take a unique direction.

In the beginning it appeared to be about the life of a novelist. We get a glimpse into the writing world—reasons to write, fiction vs. nonfiction, and (my favorite) the idea that "We are story animals."

BEATRICE AND VIRGIL explores what happens when a writer suddenly discovers that days and weeks and months of his work will never be seen by a reader. That, in my mind, brings up the ultimate reason for writing. Would we continue to write, year after year after year, if we knew it would never be published? (Be honest.) WHY do we write?

When Henry, the main character, gives up writing, it is hard for him not to "ache for the access he once had to creative joy." This, then, addresses the NEED artists have to create with words or clay or paint or melodies, whether viewed by an audience or not.

I am settling into the feel and rhythm when...the story changes. There is a twist. Now some of it becomes tedious. Some is confusing. Some is brilliant. Pacing is too slow in places, too fast in others. There is a disjointed feel that works in parts and disturbs the story line elsewhere.